Texas law requires notice to Texas811 at least two working days before digging, and not more than 14 days ahead. In San Antonio, demolition, development clearing, and larger earthwork over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone need approvals. What follows is general information, not legal advice.
Do I need a permit to dig on my own property in San Antonio?
Small digs on your own lot often need no permit, but the Texas811 call is still required. Permits are needed for demolition, pools, septic systems, sewer and water connections, work in the street right-of-way and development clearing. HomeGuide lists excavation permits at $50 to $400 where they are charged. We check your address first.
Do I need a grading permit to move dirt in my yard?
Light regrading in your own yard usually needs no grading permit, as long as you do not send water onto a neighbor or into the street in a new way. Larger site work goes through Development Services, and work over the recharge zone has extra review. Where a grading permit applies, HomeGuide's figure is $50 to $400.
Does grading need an erosion control or stormwater permit?
Disturbing one acre or more requires TCEQ construction stormwater coverage, with a stormwater pollution prevention plan and a posted site notice, and five acres or more also needs a notice of intent. Over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, the state's Edwards rules can require an approved plan before regulated earthwork. Every site needs erosion controls such as silt fence.
Do I need a permit for tree removal or clearing, or near a creek?
On a San Antonio lot with a finished single-family home, removing a tree needs no city tree permit, but a hired tree contractor must hold a city Tree Maintenance License. Land being developed needs a tree permit or affidavit before clearing starts, and heritage trees are 24 inches or more. Work in creeks and floodplains has its own review.
Who pulls the permits, the excavator or the owner?
It depends on the permit. Licensed plumbers and electricians pull their own trade permits, and the owner or builder usually pulls building and demolition permits. Agree in writing who pulls each one before work starts, and do not let anyone talk you into skipping a required permit.
Do I need to call 811 even for a small dig?
Yes. Texas811 says to contact it before any digging, even a small hand-dug hole. Dial 811 or use the homeowner portal on texas811.org. If a contractor is doing the work, the contractor requests the ticket, so ask them for the ticket number.
How much notice does 811 need, and how long are the marks valid?
Texas811 needs at least two working days of notice, not counting state holidays, and the notice must be given no more than 14 days before digging. If the start slips past 14 days, notify Texas811 again. The marks have no fixed lifespan in the Texas811 FAQ; if they wash away or are moved, request an update or remark. Nobody marks the private lines on your side of the meter.
Who is responsible if an excavator hits a utility line?
Responsibility for a damaged line depends on whether a valid locate was requested, whether the line was marked correctly, and how carefully the digger worked near it. Digging without a Texas811 ticket puts most of the risk on the digger. If you hit a line, stop and report it; for gas, leave and call 911 from a safe place. This is general information and not legal advice.
Can I dig on the property line without my neighbor's permission?
You can dig on your side of the property line, but not on your neighbor's land without permission, and you must not undermine their fence, wall or slab. A boundary survey, $300 to $900 by HomeGuide's figures, settles where the line is before a trench or wall goes in.
To get a number for your own site, have us walk it first; the price comes in a written quote. Call or text (210) 796-2675.